As the number of people facing food insecurity continues to rise, St. Jude’s Metropolitan Community Church in Wilmington, North Carolina is a welcoming space for all who are in need. As a partner agency with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina for over 10 years, St. Jude’s MCC ministers to people from all genders, sexualities, races, ethnicities, and other diverse backgrounds.
Senior Pastor, John McLaughlin who has been leading the church since 2011 is an advocate for providing spaces and resources that are inclusive for all.
“When we started our Food Pantry over ten years ago, we never thought it would be what it is today. The growth from an in-house pantry to a community center began when we became a partner agency with the Food Bank,” says Pastor McLaughlin.
Food Bank Network Engagement Supervisor, Erin Courtney says, “Pastor McLaughlin has been a local activist for the LGBTQ+ community for many years and is an amazing leader both within the church of his congregation and for the local community outside of the church.”
St Jude’s ‘feeding ministries’ operates a food pantry that serves the Wilmington community every Tuesday morning. Other programs and resources the church provides include prepared lunch bags, showers, and breakfast for those experiencing homelessness from 9 a.m. – noon every Friday.
Partnering with the Food Bank enables St. Jude to serve older adults, many of whom are the caretakers of children, along with other community members who are facing food insecurity.
On a recent site visit, Erin says, “With the help and support of the new Wilmington Branch of the Food Bank, grant funding, and other community partners, St. Jude has been able to increase the frequency in access to food and the number of people being served during distribution days.”
New policy changes for the Food Bank and waiving the partner agency cost also give the church opportunities to serve even more.
Pastor McLaughlin is very proud of the community support for the food pantry. “We not only have been able to increase our product selections but have gained some tips and information for running a smooth and efficient organization. We feel privileged to be a part of the larger system that feeds North Carolina.”
In 2006, St. Jude’s Metropolitan Community Church moved to its current location on Market Street in Wilmington, North Carolina—however, the need to serve and be a welcoming place for all started in 1992.
With a shared vision, St. Jude is a reminder of the importance of coming together to help our neighbors and friends in need.
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